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And so when the restaurant asked Glasgow Live along to sample what’s on offer, I kept an empty stomach and showed up expecting a bellyful.

Here’s why I wasn’t disappointed …

Where is it and what’s it like?

The Piping Centre is perched on the edge of Cowcaddens, just across from the refurbished Theatre Royal and a hop, skip and jump away from the city centre. Still, this isn’t an area that gets a lot of through traffic, unless it’s to the car park next door.

(Image: The Piper's Tryst/Facebook)

You can’t help but notice the building though - it’s a stunning period place with huge entrance doorway. The restaurant is just off to the right and, inside, is a tourist’s dream; all tartan, whisky and traditional music with a twist. I say that because we were treated to fiddle and pipe versions of classics like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing on our visit. It’s possible that’s to play to the tourist crowds staying in the hotel above, many of them North American going by the other tables. There’s clearly a market for it - and it works. Even if tartanry isn’t your thing (and who doesn’t love a bit of Scottish hospitality?) the food is alone is more than worth your visit.

What’s on the menu?

It’s everything you’d expect, with a few welcome twists. Starters like Mull of Kintyre cheddar fondue would be a dream on one of Glasgow’s rainier days (so, most of them) and it’s nice to see a veggie option with spiced lentil and bean haggis (definitely one to try next time).

(Image: The Piper's Tryst/Facebook)

Mains include black pudding-laced breast of chicken and west coast Scottish salmon, and there are nods everywhere to brilliant Scottish produce, right down to the Ayrshire butter.

What did you have?

I went for cullen skink to start; a rich, creamy soup with meltingly soft potato, leeks and Fraserburgh smoked haddock (the natural kind, so no yellow radioactive colouring). It was a definite winner - if you’re showing non-Scots around and want to champion this dish then you could do far worse than The Piper’s Tryst version. It was a huge portion too, so no skimping.

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The soup of the day, carrot and coriander, was thin but tasty, and the bloomer bread and butter alongside was absolutely necessary for dunking purposes (what’s a bowl of steaming hot soup without it?)

My main, a gloriously grand portion of mac and cheese topped with haggis and chive, was a delight. This is a dish with cult status here in Glasgow, and The Piping Centre’s version is rich, creamy and gooey down to the last bite - if you can finish, because I couldn’t. More fool me.

(Image: Glasgow Live)

But the dish of the meal was the Fraserburgh haddock supper - my other half said it was one of the best he’d tasted in Glasgow, which is high praise indeed. The chips were dark and crispy, the batter was just right and the mushy peas and tartare sauce on the side were a welcome addition. You can’t beat fish and chips whether it’s pouring down or taps aff weather, and The Piper’s Tryst know how to do another beloved Scottish dish just right.

Desserts?

We couldn’t have fitted them - but the menu talks a good game, so I’d recommend saving some room. Sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess with Perthshire strawberries and, of course, cranachan, all play into the Scottish theme, and there’s the option of more Mull of Kintyre cheddar with oatcakes.

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What about drinks?

We indulged in a spot of Glasgow’s finest, St Mungo’s lager from West Brewery. There are more Scottish craft beers available by the bottle, as well as full wine list - and one glimpse of the bar shows it’s a whisky haven (although we wouldn’t expect anything less, nor would those American tourists!)

(Image: The Piper's Tryst/Facebook)

What’s the service like?

Everyone at The Piper’s Tryst was friendly and the place was clean and tidy - other tables were given just as much attention as us, down to menu recommendations for one solo traveller with traditional haggis on his mind.

It should be noted too that there’s a sign up offering your leftovers to take home, no judgement, in a bid to save food waste. With portions like that, we can see why - but it’s a nice wee touch of good Scottish hospitality.

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Would you go back?

After such a glowing recommendation for the fish and chips, it would be hard to say no. If you’re Glaswegian and you haven’t been, now is the time to fix that. There aren’t enough good Scottish restaurants in the city (although there are a few gems) and if it’s creamy cullen skink or haggis (real or veggie) you’re after then this could well be the place.